Real Salt Lake signs DF/MF Lovel Palmer

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake signed DF/MF Lovel Palmer to a contract on Thursday, nearly three weeks after selecting him in the first round of Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 14. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

“Lovel is a versatile player who we’re excited to add to our roster,” Real Salt Lake General Manager Garth Lagerwey said. “He’s a proven player on both the MLS and international levels and we believe he’ll be a good fit in our system.”

Palmer, 28, last played for the Portland Timbers, making 19 MLS appearances – including 15 starts – for the Cascadia club in 2012. He signed with MLS in 2010, joining the Houston Dynamo from Jamaican club Harbour View. Palmer, who was traded from Houston to Portland in the middle of the 2011 season, has three goals and two assists in 79 career MLS appearances.

Palmer has a decent amount of international experience, earning 24 caps for the Jamaican national team since first joining the senior side in 2005. Palmer – who played on the national team with RSL head scout Andy Williams – does not have a goal for his country.

Palmer first played against RSL on Aug. 24, 2005, captaining Harbour View and scoring a goal against the Claret-and-Cobalt in a 1-1 draw in a friendly match at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Player: Lovel Palmer

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Height: 5-foot-10

Date of Birth: Aug. 30, 1984

Birthplace: Mandeville, Jamaica

Citizenship: Jamaica

How acquired: Signed on Jan. 3, 2013; Selected in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft on Dec.14, 2012